Shall We Go Find the Fairies at Sibiseonnyeotang?

To reach the East Sea coast of Gangwon Province, one must cross the rugged passes of the Baekdudaegan, such as Jinburyeong, Misiryeong, and Daegwallyeong. Hangyeryeong Pass, which links Inje and Yangyang, has long been known by other names such as Sodongnaryeong and Osaengnyeong. Along its winding road, the splendid scenery of Seoraksan National Park accompanies travelers the whole way. The road running past the hidden site of Hangyesa Temple, tucked into the foot of Hangyeryeong, all the way to Sibiseonnyeotang (Twelve Fairies' Pools), is a refreshing journey that combines Seoraksan's spectacular scenery with beautiful valleys.

Along the way

1. 1

   Jangsudae

   장수대

   Built to commemorate the great victory of the Battle of Seorak and to serve as a resting place for tourists visiting nearby Daeseung Falls, Ongnyeotang, Gamatang, Hangyesanseong Fortress, and Haneulbyeok (Sky Wall), this Korean-style building is, both in scale and craftsmanship, a rare and outstanding mountain lodge (about 48 pyeong) not often seen these days. MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Site of Hangyesa Temple

   한계사지

   When traveling to Seoraksan, one passes through Inje-gun and crosses either Hangyeryeong or Misiryeong Pass — crossing Hangyeryeong leads to Yangyang, while crossing Misiryeong leads to Sokcho. Passing Inje and Wontong, and following National Route 44 toward Hangyeryeong for about 6km from the Hangye-ri intersection brings you to Ongnyeotang Rest Area, and 3km further brings you to the Jangsudae branch office of Seoraksan National Park. MoreLess

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3. 3

   Daeseung Falls

   대승폭포

   About an hour and a half north from Jangsudae on the western side of Seoraksan National Park, past Daeseung Falls, lies Daeseungnyeong, a pass on Seoraksan's northwest ridge. This pass marks the first gateway into Inner Seorak (Naeseorak); crossing it leads down toward either Baekdamsa Temple or the Sibiseonnyeotang Valley. All manner of unnamed birds live in this area, and the various rocks, stones, and trees combine to form a beautiful natural landscape. Located 1km north of Jangsudae, Daeseung Falls is a spectacular sight where an 88m column of water plunges down; it is said to have once been a summer retreat for King Gyeongsun of Silla, and along with Bagyeon Falls in Kaesong and Guryong Falls on Geumgangsan, it is counted among Korea's three great waterfalls. A distinctive feature is the inscription 'Gucheoneunha' (Silver River of the Nine Heavens), carved by Yang Bongnae during the reign of King Seonjo of Joseon, on the broad flat rock in front of the falls.MoreLess

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4. 4

   Sibiseonnyeotang (Twelve Fairies' Pools)

   십이선녀탕

   In old sayings, twelve pools and twelve falls together are commonly called Sibiseonnyeotang (Twelve Fairies' Pools); shaped over a long span of time by the erosive action of the streambed, the pools form marvelous and astonishing shapes — some smoothly hollowed, others broad, flat rocks with deep holes. The valley leading to Sibiseonnyeotang is thick with towering maple, fir, birch, and pine trees, making the valley's scenery utterly enchanting. MoreLess

   

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